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Biomedical subjects

K Chakravarty

Publications and source records attributed to K Chakravarty.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Anticardiolipin syndrome, aspirin therapy and fetal malformation.

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and elevated cardiolipin antibody levels was given low-dose aspirin therapy prior to and throughout her third pregnancy to minimize the risk of miscarriage. She delivered a boy at 38 weeks with the skeletal deformity of two thoracic hemivertebrae. The putative role of aspirin causing this birth defect is discussed.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1993

The incidence of acute arthritis in stroke patients, and its impact on rehabilitation.

To investigate the occurrence of acute arthritis after stroke, we prospectively studied 111 patients presenting with their first stroke and no history of previous arthritis. Clinical, biochemical and serological assessment was complemented by brain CT scan; appropriate X-rays were taken of any inflamed joints and synovial fluid was collected and analysed. Those with aseptic arthritis were randomly chosen to receive either intra-articular steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients with significant renal impairment were excluded. Acute arthritis was observed within 8.34 (median) days, on the paretic side in 19 patients (10 crystal, 4 inflammatory osteoarthritis, 1 septic, 4 unexplained) and on the non-paretic side in 4 patients (1 inflammatory osteoarthritis, 1 septic, 2 unexplained). One patient had pseudogout affecting both sides. Thiazide therapy prior to the stroke was associated with gout in 3 patients. Hospital patients with arthritis had a longer median length of stay than those without (41 vs. 21 days: p = 0.01). Patients receiving intra-articular steroids recovered more rapidly than those treated with NSAIDs (p < 0.05). This prospective study demonstrates the occurrence of acute arthritis in paretic limbs after stroke. Physicians should be aware of this complication, and that administration of intra-articular steroids in aseptic cases speeds rehabilitation and recovery.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1993

Shoulder joint movement and its relationship to disability in the elderly.

One hundred healthy subjects over the age of 65 years were interviewed and examined. The range of movement of their shoulder joints was recorded. Assessment of the prevalence of symptomatic shoulder joint disorders and their nature was also made. The impact of the presence and severity of such disorders on their functional independence was evaluated by means of the Katz Scale of Index of Independence in the Activities of Daily Living. Ranges of all movements were considerably reduced in this age group compared to figures for a younger population. The prevalence of symptomatic shoulder disorders was 34% of which a rotator cuff lesion was the most common. Disability related to these disorders was found in 30% of the study population and was significantly associated with reduced movement. It is suggested that treatment of these disorders might improve quality of life and that routine examination of the shoulder in the aging population would identify those at risk of losing their independence.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1992

A longitudinal study of pulmonary function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with gold and D-penicillamine.

Sixty-two patients with classical or definite RA who were considered suitable for disease-modifying drug therapy were entered into a prospective longitudinal study to determine the long-term effects of commonly used drugs such as gold, D-penicillamine and azathioprine on pulmonary function. Each patient had an assessment of pulmonary function, including spirometry, static lung volumes and diffusion tests, before starting drug therapy and at 6-monthly intervals during treatment. In those patients where drug therapy was discontinued, pulmonary functions were performed at withdrawal and 1 year later. Forty-six per cent of the patients in the 'gold group' and 21% in the 'penicillamine group' had developed a restrictive defect after 2 years. There was a significant reduction in vital capacity and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (P < 0.001) in both groups. A significant improvement in pulmonary function was found in the gold-treated patients (P < 0.05) a year after treatment was discontinued. This study shows that a significant proportion of rheumatoid patients on second-line drugs such as gold and penicillamine develop chronic progressive pulmonary damage indistinguishable from fibrosing alveolitis or 'rheumatoid lung'. Its recognition is important as the condition is asymptomatic, slowly progressive and appears to be reversible on withdrawal of the drug therapy in the majority of the patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1992

Oligoarthritis--a presenting feature of occult coeliac disease.

Seven cases of arthritis related to coeliac disease have been described in the English literature, all with features of malabsorption. We describe a patient with an acute inflammatory oligoarthritis and little evidence of intestinal malabsorption who was subsequently found to have asymptomatic coeliac disease on intestinal biopsy. His arthritis responded to gluten free diet and is now in remission. A greater awareness of the association between coeliac disease and arthritis is needed, especially because both these conditions are potentially curable.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Erythromelalgia--the role of hypnotherapy.

Erythromelalgia is an unusual condition characterized by attacks of burning pain in the hands and feet with local congestion and increased skin temperature. We report a case of erythromelalgia, with transient hypertension and elevated urinary catecholamines successfully treated by hypnotherapy. Such an association has not to our knowledge been previously reported in English language publications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Comparison of buprenorphine and pethidine given intravenously on demand to relieve postoperative pain.

In a double-blind study of on-demand intravenous analgesia buprenorphine was found to be about 600 times as potent as pethidine. The incidence of side effects was similar with both drugs. The quality of analgesia, subjectively assessed, was good with both drugs using this method of administration. Provided that its low potential for abuse is substantiated, buprenorphine appears to be a powerful analgesic that may successfully be given intravenously on demand.

Adolescent↗